Coast Guard searches for possible missing persons near Freeport, Texas

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 11/06/2017 05:01 PM EST

united states coast guard 

 News Release  

Nov. 6, 2017
U.S. Coast Guard 8th District Public Affairs Detachment Texas
Contact: 8th District Public Affairs Detachment Texas
Office: (281) 464-4810
After Hours: (832) 293-1293

Coast Guard searches for possible missing persons near Freeport, Texas

HOUSTON — The Coast Guard is searching for possible missing persons after a vessel caught fire and sank Monday afternoon approximately 3 miles south of the San Bernard River.

At 2:45 p.m., a good Samaritan reported sighting flames and smoke just south of the San Bernard River to Sector Houston-Galveston watchstanders.

A Coast Guard Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew and a Station Freeport response boatcrew were diverted to the location. Upon arrival, the 25-foot vessel was burned beyond identification and sank shortly after.  

“Our number one priority is the preservation of human life,” said Lt. Mike Hart, chief duty officer at Sector Houston-Galveston. “We have several assets actively searching for any possible missing persons.”

Coast Guard crews will continue to search throughout the night.

Anyone with information regarding the vessel fire should contact Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston at (281) 464-4853.

-USCG-